After a starring performance for his country, Man of the Match Hal Robson-Kanu spoke of the team’s euphoria following their historic 3-1 win over Belgium in the Euro 2016 quarter-finals.
The win seals a first ever semi-final appearance for Wales, a simply stunning achievement for a nation ranked 26th in the world and considered underdogs to even progress past the group stage pre-tournament.
Just a day after being released by club side Reading, Robson Kanu struck a sublime 55th minute goal that mirrored the movements of one Johan Cruyff, turning two Belgium defenders inside out before tucking home expertly.
“We are on cloud nine,” Robson-Kanu said.
“We have been working for it for many years now, putting in the hard work.”
“It is night’s like this we’re we have taken the opportunity as a team and as a nation.”
Not sure Johan Cruyff or Hal Robson Kanu… #WALBEL #EURO2016 #WAL @FAWales pic.twitter.com/xUGXYKpSUw
— Domenic Favata (@DomFavata) July 1, 2016
“At the start of qualifying, we were underdogs to even qualify (for Euro 2016). We have taken that through the tournament now. To get through to the quarters is a fantastic achievement, but to put the performance in we did today is a credit to everyone, the players, the staff the whole country.”
Robson-Kanu was awarded the Man of the Match honour by Wales all-time top scorer Ian Rush, with his goal easily one of, if not the most important goals in Wales’ history.
“The ball was coming to my feet, I have managed to turn in the box and put it in the back of the net,” he said.
Just a day after becoming a free agent, Robson-Kanu clarified his future and is sure to be in hot demand after his match-winning performance.
“I have been at Reading for 12 years, given them a lot of service and been very loyal,” he said.
“During the course of the season I made the decision to run my contract down and that was my decision to have my future in my hands which is very important for me and my family.”
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
